A number of user interface device embodiments are disclosed that provide for increased cooling of the skin covered by the mask and/or increased flushing of gasses, including CO.sub.2, from the mask.

A method of providing a range of different sized masks for fitting to a patient includes providing a first mask having an upper lip engagement surface having a first concavity and a first nasal envelope and providing a second mask having an upper lip engagement surface having a second concavity different than the first concavity and a second nasal envelope.

A pair of eye goggles is described. A strap can be fit removably around a head. A nosepiece can be fit over the nose. A pair of eyepieces includes a transparent lens and a frame. An airtight and watertight skin interface is adapted to fit securely against the wearer's skin. A flex layer includes a seal that is at least one of airtight and watertight and which is structurally interposed between at least a portion of two or more of the skin, the nosepiece, the eyepieces, the transparent lens, the frame, and the skin interface. The flex layer includes a phase change material that is resiliently and elastically malleable. The flex layer is deformable such that at least one portion can transmute the magnitude of a force applied and can redirect the force in at least one direction. External forces acting are at least one of mitigated, transmuted, and isolated.

A nasal interface device configured to be positioned about a user's nose includes an air supply interface body including an air supply opening, at least one nasal opening, and first and second side slots and first and second elastic members extending through the first and second side slots, respectively, on the air supply interface body. Each of the first and second elastic members includes first and second adhesive means on an outer end thereof distal from the air supply interface body. The nasal interface device includes a bendable metallic member including a bridge portion between first and second ends, wherein the first and second elastic members attach to the first and second ends of the bendable metallic member, respectively.

A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use.

A face mask for extended wear by a user including a customized, contoured facial mask portion constructed and configured to cover and matingly contact a corresponding contoured surface area of a human face, preferably formed by 3D printing methods and materials.

A patient interface device includes an elastomeric contacting portion that is structured to directly engage the skin of the user. The contacting portion has an engineered surface that includes a plurality of non-random, predesigned surface features designed to reduce friction and improve user comfort. In one implementation, the pitch between each immediately adjacent pair of the surface features is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum pitch value, and the height of each of the surface features is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum height value.

The present invention is a gel cushion that is placed on a user's nose bridge before putting on a ventilator mask. The gel cushion is composed of a tacky gel material, such as a viscoelastic polymer gel. The gel cushion is wider than the edges of the ventilator mask and remains in place even if the mask is repositioned. The gel cushion adapts to the user's face in the area on and around the nose bridge to cushion and seal the ventilator mask in that area.

A cushion (16) for use with a mask (10) in delivering a flow of breathing gas to a user includes a first portion adapted to contact a surface of a user, a second portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell (18), and a wall portion extending between the first portion and the second portion. The wall portion includes a chamber formed therein, the chamber having one of an electro-rheological fluid or a magneto-rheological fluid disposed therein. The cushion further includes a means (44, 50) for selectively varying the apparent viscosity of the fluid disposed within the chamber.

A seal device or gasket assembly usable with respiration or ventilation mask systems and that is preferably at least one of adhesive or deformable. The gasket is disposed between the mask and the wearer and reduces the escape of respiration gases between the perimeter edge interface of the mask with the anatomy of the wearer and limits exposure of the epidermis located within the perimeter of the mask and between the mask and the wearer to the respiration gas flows. The mask system is particularly useful for improving communication of the respiration gases for those wearers having facial hair, abnormal dontia, and/or other abnormal facial features.